HELP WANTED: Men and Women of Character

The world desperately needs men and women. . .

who cannot be bought;

whose word is their bond;

who put character above wealth;

who possess opinions and a strong will;

who are larger than their vocations;

who do not hesitate to take risks;

who will not lose their individuality in a crowd;

who will be as honest in small affairs as in greater;

who will make no compromise with wrong;

whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires;

who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it;"

who are true to their friends through good and bad, in adversity as well as in prosperity;

who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hardheadedness are the best qualities for winning success;

who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular;

who can say "no" with emphasis, although all the rest of the world says "yes."

Did I say Thank you Lord?

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this morning when I woke up I don't remember did I say "Good morning Lord"? Did I say thank you for giving me a good nights rest? Or did I hurry and get out of bed to do my daily chores?

As the day went on and I heard the birds singing and all the beautiful noises around. As I looked in the sky and saw your beauty did I tell you " Thank you" or did I say Oh I forgot to go to the store and get something for supper and rush out the door.

Later this afternoon when I had a chance to sit down and relax a moment and appreciate the quietness did I say "Thank you Lord for the quietness you have given now so I can hear you speak to me on how to handle life struggles that come my way. It was my chance to open Your Word and have you show me how near you are. Or did I just pick up the paper or turn the TV on and ignore my chance to be with you.

Tonight when Someone spoke to me that has never had the time of day did I say, " Thank you Lord for answering my prayer" or did I get bitter inside and say why did he have to speak to me" Did I forget that you work in your own time and maybe it was the time to work things out and forgive and let go of the hurt inside.

Forgive Me Lord, I guess you could say, I didnt treat you like my friend today. I went through the day and forgot to be thankful for the little things that you had right in front of me. Tomorrow I promise I will do better. I may be busy but this time I will not forget you and tell you how much I love you. Tonight as I lay my head to rest, I promise you I will do my best. You are my God in you alone do I trust. I close my eyes and rest in your arms knowing that no matter what you will never leave me. If I am given tomorrow I will open my eyes and Praise you and know that my day is in your care. I do thank you God, Good night & I will see you in the morning.

Wishing all my brothers and sisters a good night sleep and the peace that God is at your side and will never leave you. Please know that you are all in my prayers and know that I care.

I KNOW

I know He is the beginning,

so why do I worry about the end

I know He is the creator,

so why do I wonder who will destroy

I know He has forgiven me,

so why can't I forgive myself

I know He is a healer,

so why do I speak of sickness

I know He can do all things,

so why do I say I can't

I know He will protect me,

so why do I fear

I know He will supply all my needs,

so why can't I wait

I know He is my strength and my salvation,

so why do I feel weak

I know that everything and everyone has a season,

so why when someone's season is over do I weep instead of rejoice

I know He is the right way,

so why do I go the wrong way

I know He is the light,

so why do I choose to walk in darkness

I know that whatever I ask of God, God will give me,

so why am I scared to ask

I know tomorrow is not promised,

so why do I put off for tomorrow what I can do today

I know that the truth shall make me free,

so why do I continue to lie

I know He gives us revelation knowledge and understanding,

so why do I lean on my own understanding

I know I should live in the spirit as well as walk in the spirit,

so why do I chose to live in the spirit but walk in the flesh

I know that when praises go up blessings come down,

so why do I refuse to praise Him

I know I am saved,

so why do I refuse the word He has given me

I know He has a plan for me,

so why am I rushing it because I am eager to do His will, when it is His time not my time.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if you want a personal relationship with someone you need to know who that person is.

So lets talk about who Jesus is.

Jesus is God, one of the trinity. The trinity is something that we humans sometimes have a hard time getting our brains around. It is God in three persons, the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit. The important part to remember is that they are all God. God has always been, He has no beginning and will never end, therefore Jesus has no beginning and no end. See what I mean about it being hard to really understand? Well what is important is that you believe it, not that you totally understand it.

Jesus came to earth as a baby, born to a virgin (Mary). How could this happen? Well the Holy Spirit caused it to happen. After His birth, Jesus was still God, but He was also a human. Unlike us who are born as sinners, Jesus was born sinless. He lived a sinless life here on earth. That does not mean that his life was different from ours, He was affected by sickness, pain (physical and emotional) and He was tempted by Satan to do things which would have been sinful had He done them.

Jesus was a Jew. The old testament of the Bible is the history of the Jews up to the birth of Jesus. It foretold His coming. The problem was that the Jews thought that when He came He would set up His Kingdom on earth and rule from then on. Jesus did not do that, He came as a man and taught the people His Father's will. Many Jews rejected Him because of this, and finally they put Him to death on a cross like a common criminal.

YOU CAN RISE AGAIN

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not impossible that a person may fall at some stage in their walk with Christ. In Proverbs 24:16-18, The Bible teaches about how even just people fall.

For those in grief, Christ offers comfort. For those full of heartache or physical pain, He offers hope and healing. To those who carry emotional burdens and broken dreams, Christ offers His strength. For those who struggle, He offers rest.After the dust clears from dreams dropped, a job shattered, falling finances or the banging sound of change, you can still find a place of inner peace.

The Lord changes not and stands ready to guide and provide for you and your family. Seek His comfort. Study His word. Surrender to His way. Keep your hope and trust in the Lord even when everything around you seems hopeless. Believe in God’s restoration and resurrection power for your life.

You can rise again.

I say again, You can rise again.

For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the LORD see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him. Proverbs 24:16-18

Today, I Cried.

Today I cried for the first time in a very long time. I’m not talking about the tears that are summoned by an injury, nor am I talking about the expression of grief that pays a visit when we suffer a severe loss.

I cried Today because I felt a new emotion. My initial response to this uncharted sentiment was one of amplification that comes after a moment of recognition.

It comes after an acknowledgement of something I have been trying to come to grips with for the greater part of my life. I cried for the first time in years because I experienced true love. That is to say, I felt a tremendous amount of love for something outside of myself.

I felt a feeling that made me physically cease my actions, breakdown and shed tears. In the wake of this realization in my heart and soul, a new peace, one unlike I've ever experienced before, took form deep within me. I have pondered this issue on numerous circumstances during times past. It wasn't until this very moment that I have become conscious of the consequences of my actions.

Now, I truly and wholeheartedly love something. It is an unusual kind of love than any I’ve ever experienced in my entire life. Surely, it is a different kind of love than the love I have for my family, friends, and life. It is diverse from all of those. It is a new kind of love. No one can tell me what it feels like, no one can even describe it, and most people never experience it. Today I cried in abundance for the first time in my life because I now know how much Jesus loves me.

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled. And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.

Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 (King James Version)

WOW!

Yes, Jesus loves me.

HE IS

In Genesis, He's the breath of Life

In Exodus, the passover Lamb

In Leviticus, He's our high priest

Numbers, the fire by night

Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice

In Joshua, He is salvation's choice

Judges, Law giver

In Ruth, the kinsman redeemer

First and Second Samuel, our trusted prophet

In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign

Ezra, true and faithful scribe

Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives

In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage

In Job, the timeless redeemer

In Psalms, He is our morning song In

Proverbs, wisdom's cry

Ecclesiastes, the time and season

In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

He is, He is, He is

In Isaiah, He's Prince of Peace

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet

In Lamentations, the cry for Israel

Ezekiel, He's the call from sin

In Daniel, the stranger in the fire

In Hosea, He is forever faithful

In Joel, He's the Spirits power

In Amos, the arms that carry us

In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior

In Jonah, He's the great missionary

In Micah, the promise of peace

In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield

In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival

In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage

In Zechariah, our fountain

In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

He is, He is, He is

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God, Man, Messiah

In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven

In Romans, He's the grace of God

In Corinthians, the power of love

In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin

Ephesians, our glorious treasure

Philippians, the servants heart

In Colossians, He's the Godhead trinity

Thessalonians, our coming King

In Timothy, Titus, Philemon He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor

In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant

In James, the one who heals the sick.

In First and Second Peter, he is our Shepherd

In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride

In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and the Lord of Lords

He is, He is, He is

The prince of peace

The Son of man The Lamb of God

The great I am

He's the alpha and omega

Our God and our Savior

He is Jesus Christ Lord

and when time is no more

He is, He is, He is

Where was God on September 11?

On September 11, 2001, God was exactly where He always is – in Heaven in total control of everything that happens in the universe. Why, then, would a good and loving God allow such a tragedy to happen? This is a more difficult question to answer. First, we must remember, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9). It is impossible for finite human beings to understand the ways of an infinite God (Romans 11:33-35). Second, we must realize that God is not responsible for the wicked acts of evil men. The Bible tells us that humanity is desperately wicked and sinful (Romans 3:10-18, 23). God allows human beings to commit sin for His own reasons and to fulfill His own purposes. Sometimes we think we understand why God is doing something, only to find out later that it was for a different purpose than we originally thought.

God looks at things from an eternal perspective. We look at things from an earthly perspective.
Why did God put man on earth, knowing that Adam and Eve would sin and therefore bring evil, death, and suffering on all mankind? Why didn’t He just create us all and leave us in Heaven where we would be perfect and without suffering? It must be remembered that the purpose for all creation and all creatures is to glorify God. God is glorified when His nature and attributes are on display. If there were no sin, God would have no opportunity to display His justice and wrath as He punishes sin. Nor would He have the opportunity to show His grace, His mercy, and His love to undeserving creatures. The ultimate display of God’s grace was at the Cross where Jesus died for our sins. Here was unselfishness and obedience displayed in His Son who knew no sin but was “made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). This was all to the “praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:14).

When thinking of September 11, we tend to forget the thousands of miracles that occurred on that day. Hundreds of people were able to flee the buildings just in the nick of time. A small handful of firemen and one civilian survived in a tiny space in a stairwell as the one of the towers collapsed around them. The passengers on Flight 93 defeating the terrorists was a miracle in and of itself. Yes, September 11 was a terrible day. Sin reared its ugly head and caused great devastation. However, God is still in control. His sovereignty is never to be doubted. Could God have prevented what happened on September 11? Of course He could, but He chose to allow the events to unfold exactly as they did. He prevented that day from being as bad as it could have been. Since September 11, how many lives have been changed for the better? How many people have placed their faith in Christ for salvation as a result of what happened? The words of Romans 8:28 should always be in our minds when we think of 9-11, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, and are called according to His purpose.”

Thank you "Got Questions Ministries" for blessing me throughout the years and for constantly seeking to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ by providing Biblical answers to spiritually-related questions.

Things That Make Me Go, “Hmmm...”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, please allow me to render a disclaimer before you read on. In this article and in any other article you may read in my blog I never discredit another race, culture or gender. In this article’s first paragraph, I will briefly mention words and or phrases such as “Black man” and “A black Perspective”. I am in no way a racist, bigot or a hater of any of God’s creation. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and serve the only wise God. Therefore if you are uncomfortable please continue to read on because it leads towards a place we’ve all visited in our lives no matter what race we represent. I represent the human race. What race do you represent? Amen.

This year (2009) marks the 20th year anniversary of an Emmy Award winning Variety talk show that aired late weeknights in Broadcast syndication and aired from January 2, 1989 to May 27, 1994. The name of that show was “The Arsenio Hall Show” and I surely loved and enjoyed that show. The show was created and hosted by black comedian/actor Arsenio Hall. As a Black man I was so excited to see another black man successfully create and host such a show. It was a type of “Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson” with a black perspective. Arsenio was able to speak of things that that was sort of hush, hush talk in African American and Hispanic homes.

A frequent gag in Arsenio's opening monologue suggested that he still lived in Cleveland, and drove himself to Los Angeles every day to host the show, despite it being an impossibility to traverse the 2300 mile trip. While on these alleged long drives, Arsenio would ponder certain thoughts, referring to them as "things that make you go hmmm..." This running gag inspired a 1990 C & C Music Factory song by that very title. "Things That Make You Go Hmmm..."

While on my long drives to the prisons where I preach monthly or to a church I’m scheduled to preach in, I would ponder certain thoughts of my experiences with fellow Christians over the years, referring to them as "things that make me go hmmm..."

One of the biggest things that make me go hmmm... is how we as Christians are so selective about God, His plans and His promises in our lives. We seem to indulge in a mental smorgageborg of promises selecting to believe God would only keep certain promises but not all of them.

“Hmmm...”

Now for those of you who are reading this today, and you are believers, I dare say it: I could probably not find one of you who would deny that you are going to heaven. If I asked you these following questions right this very moment:

“Do you believe in Jesus Christ?”
“Are you going to heaven?”
“How do you know you’re going to heaven?”
“Do you believe His Word?”

How'd you do?

Now because you are so adamant, unwavering, inflexible, unbending, unyielding and immovable about going to heaven that truth could not be beaten out of you with a stick, the majority of the answers many of you would give would be as follow.

“Absolutely!, I believe in Christ”
“Yes, I’m going to heaven.”
“I know I am. God said so in His word.”
“Absolutely, the word says it’s true.

Sadly, for many of you who said, “I know I’m going to heaven. I’m a believer in Jesus Christ. I am going to heaven,” if I asked you, “Will God meet your needs?” Your answer may probably be “I hope so.”

“Hmmm...”

You have never seen heaven; you have never been there. You believe just based upon a statement from His word, based upon a promise He made, and you would not dare say anything else! What about God’s promise to meet your needs? If His promise to meet your needs is doubtful, maybe that promise of heaven is doubtful.

“Hmmm...”

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ let me tell you something. Neither one of them is doubtful, beloved. You ought to be just as adamant, unwavering, inflexible, unbending, unyielding and immovable about the promises for God meeting your need or saving your family or whatever it is as you are about saying that you are going to heaven. If God is good on one promise, He’s good on another promise.

The Message Translation of Hebrews 6:9-12 (MSG) says it nicely, "I'm sure that won't happen to you, friends. I have better things in mind for you—salvation things! God doesn't miss anything. He knows perfectly well all the love you've shown him by helping needy Christians, and that you keep at it. And now I want each of you to extend that same intensity toward a full-bodied hope, and keep at it till the finish. Don't drag your feet. Be like those who stay the course with committed faith and then get everything promised to them."

Some of you just need to hang in there. It does not always happen on our timetable, but God is faithful to keep His word, and He is greater than men. His promises can be trusted. He's never broken any and He promised He never will. Now that's what I call a sure thing.

24 HOURS

It is ironic that people spend so much time securing their lives on earth and spend little or no thought about where they will spend eternity. What changes would you make if you knew that Christ was returning in 24 hours?

In the way you live?

In your activities?

In where you go?

In your conversation?

In those to whom you speak?

In your motives?

What would you want to be doing at the exact moment that Christ arrives? The time of Jesus' return is a big mystery. No one knows when he will come back. Don't assume you can wait forever to get ready. Turn to God to forgive your sins. You can’t see the stopwatch of God’s patience, and there is no bargaining for additional time.

Get ready now.

SHAKE THE DUST OFF

My dear fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, have you ever wondered why did Jesus tell his disciples to shake the dust off their feet if a city or home didn’t welcome them? If so, here's why as follow.

When leaving Gentile cities, pious Jews often shook the dust from their feet to show their separation from Gentile practices. It also symbolized cleansing themselves from the contamination of those who did not worship God. If the disciples shook the dust of a Jewish town from their feet, it would show their separation from Jews who rejected their Messiah. This gesture was to show the people that they were making a wrong choice and that the opportunity to choose Christ might not present itself again.

The disciples were not to blame if the message was rejected, as long as they had faithfully presented it. When we share Christ carefully and sensitively, God does not hold us responsible for the other person’s decision.

Beloved of God, the closer you are to God the more sensitive your spiritual discernment becomes. Therefore we must put on the WHOLE amour of God and not just bits and pieces. Surely, no true soldier in the army of the Lord or of this world goes to battle unprepared.

I cannot give you a definite set of rules. Obviously, there will come a time when we are no longer able to teach certain people but we must do everything we can to (plant the seed), others may follow up with additional teaching (watering the seed), but in the final analysis, only God will provide the increase. Here are some passages that refer to the sending forth of Jesus' disciples to the lost sheep of the house of Israel as follow:

Matthew 10:14
Mark 6:11
Luke 9:5-6
Luke 10:11-12
Acts 13:51-52
Matthew 7:6
Hebrews 10:26-31
1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Apparently, Jesus was teaching his disciples that if some people will not listen to the message, their time could be better spent going to someone who will listen.

Are you receptive to teaching from God? If you ignore the Spirit’s prompting, you may not get another chance.

Father,
I ask that You wash my spirit, soul and body with the Blood of the Lamb and
I curse every corruptible seed that has been planted in me and
I command it to wither and die.
I command every foul, unclean spirit that may have attached itself to me,
To loose me,
To leave this property,
To seek dry ground and never return,
In the Mighty and Matchless Name of Jesus
Amen

NINE LIES WOMEN TELL THEMSELVES ABOUT MEN

Are these nine lies the only lies women tell themselves? Let's take a close look at them.

Lie #1: A Christian man must be God’s best choice of a mate for me.
First of all, just because a man calls himself a Christian doesn’t mean a thing about his spiritual condition. Hitler probably professed to be a nice guy. What really shows a man’s faith is action—not trying to get you into bed until you are both wearing a ring; initiating his own personal relationship with God and encouraging yours as well; and especially holding his feelings back in the relationship to allow God to lead. God’s choice of a mate for you is going to be a godly man, and if you listen, God will tell you through an active prayer life and the counsel of other godly influences whether this is the one He has picked out for you.

Lie #2: If it feels right, it is right.
Feelings are unreliable. Don’t trust them, especially when it comes to spiritual matters. Feelings change day by day, and they can lie to you. Women who rely on them to make important decisions are going to be extremely disappointed, making one mistake after another. The decision must be made objectively and prayerfully. Sexual sin in the relationship will cloud objectivity and good judgment.

Lie #3: I can overlook a few character problems (a.k.a. red flags)—no one is perfect.
If a man has glaring character defects, it is likely that he is not teachable. Teach-ability is the number one character trait you should look for in a potential mate. I am not talking about normal struggles or mistakes, but habit pattern sins or dysfunctions that control their lives and that they are not open and contrite about. If a man is teachable, he will humbly listen to God and to his future wife when making decisions. He will be willing to work at his future marriage.

Lie #4: I really know him after spending so much time talking to him.
Phone and heart-to-heart conversations are no substitute for real life situations. He can tell you anything you want to hear while hiding behind a phone. But get him with his family, or behind a rude driver, or at a restaurant getting poor service, and then you begin to see what kind of a person he really is. A wise woman will wait it out awhile to observe his responses in every possible difficult and awkward situation.

Lie #5: He always tells me the truth.
If you think that then you don’t know most men in this world. Most men are very good at telling women what they want to hear in order to get what they want—sex. Pressure for sex from a “Christian man” should be the number one indicator of a dishonest man with underlying bad intentions and hidden motives.

Lie #6: Coincidences are a sign from God.
Satan, the master liar and counterfeiter, is cooking up coincidences to get you off track, so beware! He doesn’t want you to wait for God’s best. He wants to handicap your services for the Kingdom by getting you to settle for a miserable and empty marriage. Ask for godly counsel from objective bystanders, pray hard, and stay intent upon God’s will and not your own.

Lie #7: It’s normal for him to pressure me for sex. That’s just how men are.
True godly men live to please God and not their own selfish desires. They honor women as the treasure they are, treating them with absolute purity as Jesus would have done. They care more about the purity of their Christian sisters than a quick thrill for the moment. Sex before marriage is a sin and if a guy is pressuring, he doesn’t care about what God thinks and he doesn’t care about you either.

Lie #8: There are many quality romantic perfect men out there, just like in the movies.
Women have so filled their minds (and hearts) with Hollywood ideals about men, two tragedies have resulted. First, no man could ever live up to that fictitious standard so they are unfairly compared and criticized. Secondly, a woman in the beginning stages of a relationship can tend to fill in missing information about a man with imagined ideals before she even knows him. She ends up “falling in love” with an idea, not a person. When the man begins to show signs of human weakness, she is disappointed but holds onto the relationship hoping the man she first imagined will return. The few real quality men out there are the ones who are living to please God. You will need God’s help to find them.

Lie #9: When I find a man and get married, I will finally feel happy and complete.
If that’s true, why are so many women getting divorced (or wishing they were)? Why do Hollywood stars ditch beauties for someone else? The truth is, you will only feel happy and complete when you let God be your first love. No man—especially one who is not God’s best for you—will even come close. When the excitement wears off (and it will), you will feel more alone than when you were single. By telling yourself the truth, you have every chance to find the very best man that God wants to give you.

My dear sisters in Christ, there is no such thing as only nine lies women tell themselves, there’s many, many more and with God on your side, they can all be revealed. Many of my dear sisters in Christ out there throughout the world are victims of lies that have caused them to have low self esteem and suffer from it so much so that some sadly induce sleep (suicide).

My dear sisters, WAKE UP!

Listen to me and listen closely.

You are a child of a God who does not lie or make mistakes; therefore you are more than good enough, you were never Worthless or a Failure, you can forgive yourself as well as the Person Who Hurt You. You can help yourself because God has never stopped loving you. Girl, with God, life is never hopeless or worthless. God was not punishing you, you were doing that to yourself by believing the devils lies about your self worth. The devils ultimate goal is to steal, kill and destroy your testimony, your life and your faith in God. The devil is the father of all lies and liars and he attacks with relentless pursuit until you resist him, then and only then, he will flee. Many of my dear sisters in Christ are even going as far as believing the lie that they are not good enough to be a Christians. Be and stay encouraged and fall deeply in love with the best man life offers. His name is Jesus. He will never let you down. As a matter of fact he may even find Mr. Right for you if only you would ask him. Trust me, He’s never failed. Amen.

Giving honor to my dear sister in Christ who is an inspirational Christian speaker, writer, and author, Julie Ferwerda. The “Nine Lies Women Tell Themselves About Men” was written by her along with many, many more wonderful and inspirational writings.

Thank you sister Julie Ferwerda, for being such a blessing.

TO DIE IS GAIN

I’ll never forget that night, way back in 1970 when my brother Ernest (aka - Boinest) was sixteen, my sisters Leticia (aka -Letty), Alicia (aka - Leets) Olga (aka -Tati) were twelve, five and four and the most popular one of all, the middle child, baby boy, family clown, pop’s favorite to beat and simply mom’s favorite to love, the one and only… me, Andres (aka – Andy, Andresito to mom and Elder Dre to the rest of the world) was eight. Our dear sweet mother (bless her soul) excitedly corralled us all together to witness an awesomely talented ten year old on the Ed Sullivan Show whom we all fell in love with.

His name was Michael Jackson. I’ll never forget that night that Michael came into our lives. I just pray that you were ready to die in order that you would meet our savior, Jesus Christ. I say that wholeheartedly and with a heart full of hope and love because those who don’t believe in God, life on earth is all there is, and so it is natural for them to strive for this world’s values—money, popularity, power, pleasure, and prestige. Now I know what Paul meant when he said in Philipians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain". To live meant to develop eternal values and to tell others about Christ, who alone could help them see life from an eternal perspective. Brother Paul’s whole purpose in life was to speak out boldly for Christ and to become more like him. Thus Paul could confidently say that dying would be even better than living, because in death he would be removed from worldly troubles, and he would see Christ face to face.

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, if you’re not ready to die, then you’re not ready to live. Make certain of your eternal destiny; then you will be free to serve, devoting your life to what really counts, without fear of death.

Michael, you will surely be missed.

I love you man.

And always will.

Bless your soul.

Rest in peace my friend.

Who Is The Holy Ghost

He is a member of the Trinity: Matt 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:13-14, John 15:26-27, Mark 1:9-12
He speaks as a person: Acts 13:2, John 16:13
He searches: 1 Corinthians 2:10-11
He reveals: John 16:15
He decides and distributes: 1 Corinthians 12:10-11
He abides with us: John 14:15-17
He guides & foretells: John 16:13
He sanctifies: 1 Peter 1:2
He teaches: Luke 12:12
He convicts: John 16:7-8
He seals: Eph 4:30
He quickens, gives life: John 6:63
He empowers to witness: Acts 1:8
He leads: Rom 8:14
He bears witness: Rom 8:16-17
He intercedes: Rom 8:26
He bears fruit: Gal 5:22-23
He liberates: 2 Corinthians 3:17
He glorifies Jesus: John 16:14
He groans: John 11:33
He has joy: Luke 10:21
He comforts: Acts 9:31
He translates: Acts 8:39-40
He conceives: Matt 1:20
He descends: Matt 3:16
He speaks through you: Matt 10:20
He speaks to you: Acts 8:29
He casts out spirits: Matt 12:28-29
He compels: Mark 1:12
He is a river of living water: John 7:38-39
He gives the ability to speak in tongues: Acts 2:3-4
He lives within you: 1 Corinthians 3:16
He gives special abilities: 1 Cor 12:1
He is received through faith: Gal 3:14
He is our guarantee: Eph 1:14
He inspires: Mark 12:36
He gives strength for extraordinary tasks: Judges 3:10
He helps us speak for Christ: Matthew 10:19-20; Luke 12:11-12
He can’t be taken away: Matthew 10:29-31
He can give you change of heart: Matthew 12:34-36; John 3:8
He may test us: Luke 4:1
His presence in us ushers in God’s kingdom: Luke 4:43
He makes our reform last: Luke 11:24-26
He helps us understand the Bible: Luke 24:45
He helps us worship: John 4:21-24
He urges us toward salvation: John 6:44
He promised by Jesus: John 7:37
He helped disciples remember Jesus: John 14:26
He brings deep and lasting peace: John 14:27
His role and work in believers’ lives: Acts 1:5
He is available to everyone: Acts 2:16-21
He doesn’t make us immune to temptation: Acts 5:3
He guides us away from wrong places: Acts 16:7-9
He increases opportunities for witnessing: Acts 22:30
He gives us power to live Christian life: Romans 8:2
He helps us pray: Romans 8:26-27
He has placed eternity in us now: 2 Corinthians 5:5
He makes us new creations: 2 Corinthians 5:17
He at times settles us down rather than stirs us up: Galatians 3:5
He produces fruit in us: Galatians 5:22-23
He is our guarantee that God will keep his promises: Ephes. 1:13-14
He brings unity to believers: Ephes. 4:3
He carries out God’s work in us: Phil. 1:6
He is transforming power: 1 Thes. 1:5
He helps us discern false teaching: 1 John 2:18-23

A FATHER'S LOVE

Fathers seldom say "I love you"
Though the feeling's always there,
But somehow those three little words
Are the hardest ones to share.
And fathers say "I love you"
In ways that words can't match -
With tender bedtime stories -
Or a friendly game of catch!

You can see the words "I love you"
In a father's boyish eyes
When he runs home, all excited,
With a poorly wrapped surprise.

A father says "I love you"
With his strong helping hands -
With a smile when you're in trouble
With the way he understands.

He speaks his love unselfishly
By giving all he can
To make some secret dream come true,
Or follow through a plan.

A father's seldom-spoken love
Sounds clearly through the years -
Sometimes in peals of laughter,
Sometimes through happy tears.

Perhaps they have to speak their love
In a fashion all their own.
Because the love that fathers feel
Is too big for words alone!

Happy Father's Day!

THE DIVINE POTTER

My fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, God is truly our all in all. I say that because everything and anything we should ever need comes from our Maker, and that’s non other than the Mighty God we serve. There are so many metaphors that are used to describe who God is to us but one of my favorites is God as “The Potter”. I say that because in actuality, only a certain potter knows what he’s creating, why he creates it and his finished work is not complete until he can see himself in his creation.

Doesn’t that sound so much like our Heavenly Father, our Spiritual Potter? I do indeed. Let us now go into the Word of God together, break bread and breakdown this Awesomely, Divine Potter. So kick off your shoes, sit back, relax and get yourselves ready for a glorious ride into the mind of a willing vessel created by the Hands of a Potter unlike any other Who took this clay named it Andres and called him, a preacher.

Now, the Word of God says, “We are the clay, and thou are Potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.” Isaiah 64:8b and it also says, “Hath not the potter power over the clay,” Romans 9:21a. And with that said we can clearly see that according to the usual method of scripture metaphors, we find the Lord God set forth under the metaphorical notion of a Potter, which I shall now illustrated in the ensuing parallel and to further give God the total glory He deserves, I will followed those metaphors and parallels with an illustration of metaphors but this time instead of using parallels, I will use disparities of an earthly potter versus our Heavenly Potter. Amen.

A Potter is an artificer, an artisan or workman, one skilful to work in earth, or to form and make pots, and other vessels of clay. This tells me that God is the Maker of all men and things that ever were, or shall be.

A Potter prepares his clay or matter first, of which he intends to make his vessels; and when he hath made it fit, and ready for the wheel, he goes to work. This tells me that God created or prepared the earth, the clay, before He formed man, and out of it was He made: “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, “ Genesis 2:7

A Potter projects before-hand, what kind of vessel he will make of such clay; he hath the form and fashion of it in his mind, before he goes to work; nay, (and it may be) makes known what a vessel he will make. This tells me that “Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world.” Acts 15:18. He contrived in His eternal counsel, what kind of creature He would make man; nay, at the time of his formation, He declared what a rare vessel he should be: “And God said, Let Us make man in our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” Genesis 1:26

A Potter makes vessels of divers sorts and sizes, and for several uses; some are for more honorable and noble services than others. This tells me that God makes vessels of divers sorts and sizes; all men are not of the like stature and beauty in their first formation; neither are they so, as they are made or formed anew in Christ Jesus; for some vessels are designed by the great Potter to contain the golden oil, and soul-enriching treasure, for the emptying of them unto others.

A Potter takes great care of the vessels he hath made, and bestowed his labour and pains upon, that they may not be broken; for they are brittle ware, and he is greatly offended with such as strive to dash them to pieces. This tells me that God takes great care of those pots or vessels He hath made, nay, twice made, or formed for Himself: he gives a charge concerning them, and rebukes kings for their sakes; “Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:22. The devil and wicked men shall one day go to wreck, for that violence offered to those curious vessels that God hath prepared to glory: “But he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” Galatians 5:10.

Now here comes the fun part. Here’s where we breakdown metaphors the world of unbelievers would use in order to diminish the uniqueness of our Heavenly Potter and further discourage those who love God dearly, to them who are the called according to His purpose. I know… I just quoted Romans 8:28. I just love His Word and can’t help myself sometimes. Just taste and see and I promise, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

The world may say that a Potter hath not his skill in making vessels from himself, but is taught by some other man. But they must realize that God hath his wisdom of, and from himself.

The world may say that a Potter many times wants skill in framing of some curious vessels, and not only so, but care; and by this means the vessel is marred, and spoiled in his hand. But they must realize that God is infinite in wisdom, loveth all things He goes about, and His care is accordingly; a God that is never unmindful of the work of His hands; so that if any vessel is broken, the fault is not in Him, but either in themselves, or some cursed enemy.

The world may say that a potter makes not all the vessels which are upon the wheel for his own use and profit, but for the use of others. But they must realize that God makes all things for Himself, “The LORD hath made all things for Himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” Proverbs 16:4.

The world may say that a potter cannot make vessels, unless he hath clay or matter to make them with, or to work upon. But they must realize that God first made the clay, He created the dust of the earth, and then out of it made or framed man.

The world may say that a potter makes vessels that are very defective, as they first come off the wheel. But they must realize that God never made or framed any vessel, but as it came out of his hand it was well done, without fault or blemish: “And God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

Now last but not least, let’s apply it all into our hearts, our minds and our lives in order to better understand and serve the Lord our Creator as His beloved creation. Many of us may wonder if God is truly the Potter, and man the clay. There’s nothing wrong with wondering, pondering and questioning because the moment God reveals Himself as so, His manifestation alone will teach us to lie low before the Him Who is in heaven humble us to each moment we realize what this clay is in the hands of a mighty Potter. We may conclude that we are not made for ourselves, but for some particular use. And since the glory of God was the principal thing He designed, in the making and forming of us; let us see we do not rise up against Him in a sinful way, to His dishonour. Lastly, we may know from for this reason how frail and brittle we are, sooner broken than a Potter’s vessel.

Amen

What Is Tithing?

Elder Dre, What Is Tithing? I'm not going to give (some) of you shameful readers, (I repeat: some, not all) would call a long, drawn out tediously exegetical, theological, hermeneutical, and philosophical perspectives on an answer to this question. But I will make it briefly worth your while.

Well my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, here we go. First of all "Tithing" in accordance with the Word of God in Deuteronomy 14:22-23 and 2 Corinthians 8:10-15, has purposes and principles. The purpose of tithing is to put God first in our lives in everything we have or do. We are to give God the first and best of what we earn in every aspect of the word. Not just in money or talent but also our time. For example, what we do first with our money, talent and time shows what we value most in our lives therefore we ought to value God first and foremost over any and everything in this life He has so graciously given us.

(1) Your willingness to give cheerfully is more important than the amount you give.
(2) You should strive to fulfill your financial commitments.
(3) If you give to others in need, they will, in turn, help you when you are in need.
(4) You should give as a response to Christ, not for anything you can get out of it.

How you give reflects your devotion to Christ.

(1) Each person should follow through on previous promises (2 Cor. 8:10-11; 2 Cor. 9:3).
(2) Each person should give as much as he or she is able (2 Cor. 8:12; 2 Cor. 9:6).
(3) Each person must make up his or her own mind how much to give (2 Cor. 9:7).
(4) Each person should give in proportion to what God has given him or her (2 Cor. 9:10).

God gives to us so that we can give to others.

Paul says that we should give of what we have, not what we don’t have. Sacrificial giving must be responsible. Paul wants believers to give generously, but not to the extent that those who depend on the givers (their families, for example) must go without having their basic needs met. Give until it hurts, but don’t give so that it hurts your family and/or relatives who need your financial support.

Last but not least, tithing is…

Mathematically it is a tenth. “… and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto Thee” (Gen. 28:11).

Scripturally it is a law. “Thou shalt truly tithe all the increase” (Deut. 14:22).

Morally it is a debt. “… Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings” (Mal. 3:8).

Economically it is an investment. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matt. 6:20). “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38).

Spiritually it is a blessing. “I will open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it” (Mal. 3:10).

There you go, simple and true.

I still love you all, I repeat, (you all, not just some) and always will.

Amen!

TEST FOR FALSE PROPHETS

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ I pray that this test will be a blessing to you and you loved ones. It will assist you in revealing false teachers and false teachings against the Word of God as revealed in the King James Bible. A Prophet is a person who speaks from God through divine direction and a false prophet is a person who does NOT speak from God through divine direction. One "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the teacher is a false teacher, and his instruction should be disregarded. Here are 32 Characteristics of False prophets to start the test with.

1. STRENGTHEN: Acts 15:32
2. DEFINE GOD'S WILL: Acts 13:1-3
3. PREDICT THE FUTURE: Acts 21:10,11
4. CENTERED IN CHRIST: Luke 10:24
5. INTERPRETED BY CHRIST: Luke 24:27, 44; Isaiah 7:14; 2 Sam 7:16; Deut 18:20, 22; Deut 7:13
6. UNITED IN TESTIMONY: Acts 3:21-24
7. CONTAINS GRACE AND SALVATION: 1 Pet 1:9-12
8. ABIDING REVELATION: Matt 5:17-20
9. INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT: 2 Pet 1:21-2:2
10. NOT OF ONE'S OWN INTERPRETATION: 2 Pet 1:20
11. ALWAYS RELEVANT: Rev 22:10
12. MUST NOT BE CHANGED BY MAN: Rev 22:18,19
13. INSPIRATION: Micah 3:8
14. FOREKNOWLEDGE: Is 42:9
15. NON-FULFILLMENT: Jer 28:1-13
16. PEACEFUL MESSAGE: Jer 23:9-40
17. APOSTASY FROM GOD: Deut 13:1-5
18. LYING: Jer 23:25-40
19. SCOFFING: 2 Pet 3:3,4
20. UNCONDITIONAL: Ezek 12:25-28; Ezek 13: 1-9
21. SOMETIMES CONDITIONAL: Jonah 3:1-10
22. DATED: Dan 9:24-27
23. NON-LITERAL: Matt 17:10-12
24. UNRECOGNIZED BY JEWS: Acts 13:27-29
25. INTERPRETATION OF, NEEDED: Luke 24:25-44
26. OFTEN REFERRED TO: Matt 1:22,23
27. DOCTRINE: Is 8:19, 20
28. PROPHECIES: 1 Kin 13:1-32
29. LIVES: Matt 7:15-20; Matt 24:1; Matt 24:24; Act 13:6-8; Jer 6:13; 1 John 4:2; Acts 20:29-30; Ezekiel 22:28; Matt 15:16; Gal 5:18-22
30. PROPHESY PEACE: Jer 23:17
31. TEACH A LIE: Jer 28:15
32. PRETEND TO BE TRUE: Matt 7:22,23
33. TEACH CORRUPTION: 2 Pet 2:10-22
34. IN THE LAST DAYS: Matt 24:11


1. STRENGTHEN: Acts 15:32
1. Does the prophet speak secretly, without strong argument, numerous words, advice or appeal to his listeners?
2. Does the prophet fail to assure, uphold, sustain or strengthen his listeners?

2. DEFINE GOD'S WILL: Acts 13:1-3
3. Does the prophet minister for anyone other than the Lord Jesus Christ?
4. Does the prophet seem to obtain divine revelations without the necessary worship and sacrifice required by LORD GOD?
5. Does the prophet fail to acknowledge the Holy Spirit's inspiration in his revelations?
6. Does the prophet avoid the laying on of hands in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ?
7. Does the prophet fail to pray or fast?

3. PREDICT THE FUTURE: Acts 21:10,11
8. Does the prophet fail to make specific and illustrated predictions of future events?

4. CENTERED IN CHRIST: Luke 10:24
9. Does the prophet appear to have a knowledge about all things without Jesus Christ being in the center?

5. INTERPRETED BY CHRIST: Luke 24:27, 44; Isaiah 7:14; 2 Sam 7:16; Deut 18:20, 22; Deut 7:13
10. Does the prophet believe other's revelations without study and a confirming interpretation by Christ?
11. Does the prophet speak words which are not in accordance with the law, prophets, and psalms in the Scriptures?
12. Is the prophet unable to understand Scriptures?
13. Does the prophet show a lack of knowledge concerning Jesus Christ or Scriptures?
14. Does the prophet speak incorrectly about Jesus' birth?
15. Does the prophet speak against the relationship of the Jews to the LORD GOD?
16. Does the prophet speak in the name of other gods?
17. Does the prophet's predictions NOT come true after speaking in the name of the LORD GOD?
18. Does the prophet speak presumptuously (unduly or overbearingly confident), take for granted or take liberties?
19. Does the prophet question the fulfillment of the second coming of Jesus Christ?

6. UNITED IN TESTIMONY: Acts 3:21-24
20. Does the prophet contradict the testimony of other prophets since the world began?
21. Does the prophet give credit to anyone but God for what his mouth speaks?
22. Does the prophet speak against the restitution (restoration) of all things as spoken in the Scriptures?

7. CONTAINS GRACE AND SALVATION: 1 Pet 1:9-12
23. Does the prophet fail to inquire and search diligently for truth?
24. Does the prophet fail to make salvation the object of prophecy?
25. Does the prophet speak for his own uses or glory, and fail to consider the listeners?
26. Does the prophet attempt to keep all that is revealed to himself, and refuse to minister others with the new revelations?
27. Does the prophet preach the gospel on his own without the assistance of the Holy Ghost?

8. ABIDING REVELATION: Matt 5:17-20
28. Does the prophet insist upon the strict adherence of law and righteous behavior rather than the inner spiritual intentions of the LORD GOD?
29. Does the prophet insist that the law of Moses is no longer applicable since the fulfillment of Jesus Christ?
30. Does the prophet change even "one jot or one tittle" (the most minute letter or mark) of the law?
31. Does the prophet teach man to break one or any of the least commandments of God?

9. INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT: 2 Pet 1:21-2:2
32. Does the prophet give credit for his prophecy to anyone other than the Holy Ghost?
33. Does the prophet privately bring in damnable heresies (destructive opinion or doctrine that goes against the LORD GOD’s Word)?
34. Does the prophet experience destruction because he is deceived by his own teaching and continues to reject the way of truth?
35. Does the prophet evilly speak against the Way of Truth?

10. NOT OF ONE'S OWN INTERPRETATION: 2 Pet 1:20
36. Does the prophet indicate that his divine revelation of the scripture is a private interpretation?

11. ALWAYS RELEVANT: Rev 22:10
37. Is the prophet's revelations of the Word of the LORD GOD not always relevant (applicable, appropriate, fitting)?

12. MUST NOT BE CHANGED BY MAN: Rev 22:18,19
38. Does the prophet add unto the Word of the LORD GOD, and include things not spoken of in Scripture?
39. Does the prophet take away from the Word of God, and exclude things spoken of in Scripture?

13. INSPIRATION: Micah 3:8
40. Does the prophet's revelation lack the power, judgment and might of the spirit of the LORD GOD?

14. FOREKNOWLEDGE: Is 42:9
41. Does the prophet provide revelation of former things which have come to pass, rather than new things?

15. NON-FULFILLMENT: Jer 28:1-13
42. Does the prophet's revelations fail to come to pass?
43. Does the prophet predict peace following the fulfillment of a legitimate prophet's revelations?

16. PEACEFUL MESSAGE: Jer 23:9-40
44. Is the prophet profane (characterized by irreverence or contempt for the LORD GOD or sacred principles or things, unholy, heathen, common, vulgar, blasphemous, sacrilegious, low, mean, base)?
45. Is the prophet wicked in the House of the LORD GOD?
46. Does the prophet's way seem "slippery in darkness" (tending to shift positions, fickle, shifty, unstable, insecure with a lack of knowledge or enlightenment)?
47. Has God brought disaster and evil upon the prophet?
48. Is the prophet foolish, absurd, unwise, whimsical or extravagant?
49. Does the prophet commit adultery and walk in lies?
50. Does the prophet strengthen the hands of evildoers, preventing them from turning from wickedness?
51. Does the prophet make his listeners vain (without real significance, value or importance; baseless, worthless)?
52. Does the prophet speak a vision out of his own heart, rather than from out of the mouth of the LORD GOD?
53. Does the prophet promise peace to his listeners?
54. Does the prophet tell his listeners that no evil shall come to them?
55. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to walk after the "imagination of his own heart" (do what makes you feel good)?
56. Does the prophet fail to turn the LORD GOD’s people from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings?

17. APOSTASY FROM GOD: Deut 13:1-5
57. Does the prophet present signs or wonders for the worship of other gods?
58. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to not walk after the LORD GOD, not to fear Him, not to keep his Commandments, not to obey His voice, not to serve Him, or not to cleave unto Him?

18. LYING: Jer 23:25-40
59. Does the prophet speak falsely in the LORD GOD’s name?
60. Does the prophet focus more on the act of "dreaming" rather than the Word of the LORD GOD that is intended?
61. Does the prophet lack confidence in the speaking of the LORD GOD’s Word?
62. Does the prophet steal the LORD GOD’s Words from his neighbor?
63. Does the prophet use his "own tongue" and attribute it to the LORD GOD?
64. Does the prophet use false dreams to cause the LORD GOD’s people to err by their lies?
65. Is the prophet reckless and light, unconcerned about the consequences of his action?
66. Is the prophet "burdened" (that which is borne with difficulty, obligation or trouble) by the LORD GOD’s Words or even his own words?
67. Does the prophet "pervert" (misinterpret, distort, corrupt, mislead, defile) the Words of the living LORD GOD?
68. Has God brought an "everlasting reproach" (blame) and a "perpetual shame" (disgrace) upon the prophet that will never be forgotten?

19. SCOFFING: 2 Pet 3:3,4
69. Does the prophet scoff (an expression of mockery, derision, doubt, behaving with scornful disapproval) about the last days (end times)?
70. Does the prophet encourage listeners to ignore "last days" prophesy, in favor of "stable as she goes, everything is as it always was" prophecy?

20. UNCONDITIONAL: Ezek 12:25-28; Ezek 13: 1-9
71. Does the prophet's divine revelations prolonged (take place in times far off), rather than immediate?
72. Does the prophet prophesy out of his own inspiration?
73. Does the prophet deny visions (a beneficial and meaningful event that appears vividly and credibly to the mind under the influence of the LORD)?
74. Does the prophet attempt to whitewash the severely cracked walls of his listeners, rather than filling in the gaps with the Word of God?
75. Does the prophet's vanity and lying divinations (futile and false attempts to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means) make others to hope that it would confirm God's Word?
76. Is the prophet outside the assembly of God's people?
77. Is the prophets writing deliberately excluded from the record?
78. Is the prophet denied entry into the land of Israel?

21. SOMETIMES CONDITIONAL: Jonah 3:1-10
79. Does the prophet discredit other prophets who speak divine revelations in a specific event, rather than a lifetime career?

22. DATED: Dan 9:24-27
80. Does the prophet's 'divine' revelations occur outside the seventy weeks spoken in Daniel?

23. NON-LITERAL: Matt 17:10-12
81. Does the prophet stick to the strict meaning of the LORD GOD’s Word, neglecting the figurative, metaphorical or mysteries revealed?

24. UNRECOGNIZED BY JEWS: Acts 13:27-29
82. Do the Jews accept the prophecies and doctrine of Jesus Christ as explained by the prophet?

25. INTERPRETATION OF, NEEDED: Luke 24:25-44
83. Does the prophet fail to use Christ to expound scripture?
84. Does the prophet oppose understanding of the scriptures among his listeners?
85. Does the prophet fail to have an understanding or acceptance of the fulfillment of all things concerning Christ which "were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets and in the psalms"?

26. OFTEN REFERRED TO: Matt 1:22,23
86. Does the prophet deny the virgin birth of our Jesus Christ?
87. Does the prophet fail to refer to the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

27. DOCTRINE: Is 8:19, 20
88. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to seek those with familiar spirits (well acquainted and intimate associations with the dead spirits)?
89. Does the prophet encourage his listeners to seek the whispered and muttered words of wizards (male soothsayers - persons who foretell events)?
90. Does the prophet use anything other than "the law and testimony" (LORD GOD’s Word) as the basis for interpreting a claim to divine revelation?

28. PROPHECIES: 1 Kin 13:1-32
91. Does the prophet fail to predict events in the future that only the living sovereign LORD GOD could inform?
92. Does the prophet's sign denoting a miraculous event fail to produce an effect of wonder on those who behold it?
93. Does the prophet's sign fail to use the LORD GOD’s Words in revealing the effect?
94. Does the prophet fail to accomplish what the LORD GOD has tasked him to do?
95. Is the prophet easily swayed by other prophets?
96. Does the prophet experience a sudden, violent and painful death?

29. LIVES: Matt 7:15-20; Matt 24:1; Matt 24:24; Act 13:6-8; Jer 6:13; 1 John 4:2; Acts 20:29-30; Ezekiel 22:28; Matt 15:16; Gal 5:18-22
97. Does the prophet mislead others in believing his character or intentions or beliefs are something they are not?
98. Does the prophet's work produce less than the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control)?
99. Does the prophet mislead many?
100. Does the prophet mislead using great signs and wonders?
101. Does the prophet try to turn listeners away from the faith?
102. Is the prophet greedy for gain, never having enough money, prosperity, prestige, people, etc.?
104. Does the prophet speak perverse things (deliberately departing from what is reasonable; stubborn; self-willed)?
105. Does the prophet have false vision (saying it's from God) and leading people into wrong doings?
106. Does the prophet have followers who's deeds are of the flesh (immortality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousy, wrath, disputes, dissension, heresies, envying, drunkenness, carousing)?

30. PROPHESY PEACE: Jer 23:17
107. Does the prophet speak of future peace to those who follow after the imagination of their own heart?

31. TEACH A LIE: Jer 28:15
108. Does the prophet lead others to trust in lies rather than the Word of God by making the teachings of lies more comfortable to the listeners than the truthful teachings of our LORD GOD?
109. Does the prophet teach rebellion against the LORD GOD?

32. PRETEND TO BE TRUE: Matt 7:22,23
110. Does the prophet prophesy, cast out devils and perform wonderful works in Jesus' name, without being known by Jesus?

33. TEACH CORRUPTION: 2 Pet 2:10-22
111. Does the prophet walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness (sexual promiscuity)?
112. Does the prophet hate authority?
113. Is the prophet presumptuous (impertinently bold)?
114. Is the prophet self-willed (selfish, stubborn and obstinate)?
115. Does the prophet speak evil of dignitaries (persons who hold high rank or office)?
116. Does the prophet live in a natural life, displaying characteristics of a brute beast (brutal, insensitive, crude, irrational, savage, cruel, carnal, sensual, and animal like)?
117. Does the prophet speak evil of the things that he does not understand?
118. Is the prophet perishing in his own corruption (moral perversion and depravity?
119. Does the prophet enjoy reveling (to make merry, boisterous merrymaking, to party) during the daytime?
120. Does the prophet have fun with his falsehoods?
121. Is the prophets eyes full of adultery?
122. Is the prophet unable to cease from sin?
123. Does the prophet have a beguiling (enticing) unstable soul?
124. Does the prophet exercise his heart with covetous practices (wrongful desires)?
125. Does the prophet seem to be cursed?
126. Does the prophet forsake the right way and love the wages of unrighteousness?
127. Is the prophet unable to satisfy the spiritual thirst of men?
128. Is the prophet blown about by every wind of doctrine?
129. Does the prophet speak great swelling words of vanity (emptiness)?
130. Does the prophet allure through the lusts of the flesh?
131. Does the prophet promise liberty when they themselves are the servants of corruption?
132. Is the prophet entangled in the world (natural life) and overcome by it?
133. Has the prophet turned from the holy commandment delivered unto him, and like a dog, turned to his own vomit again?

34. IN THE LAST DAYS: Matt 24:11
134. Is the prophet one of many rising the last days to deceive many?

Remember, one "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the prophet is a false prophet, and his words should be disregarded.

TEST FOR FALSE TEACHERS

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ I pray that this test will be a blessing to you and you loved ones. It will assist you in revealing false teachers and false teachings against the Word of God as revealed in the King James Bible. A teacher is a person who teaches the Word of God through divine direction and a false teacher is a person who does NOT teach the Word of God through divine direction. One "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the teacher is a false teacher, and his instruction should be disregarded. Here are Ten Characteristics of False Teachers to start the test with.

1. Grace-preventers' Gal 1:6-8
2. Money-lovers Luke 16:14
3. Christ-deniers 2 Pet 2:1
4. Truth-resistors 2 Tim 3:8
5. Fable-lovers 2 Tim 4:3,4
6. Destitute of truth 1 Tim 6:3-5
7. Bound by traditions Matt 15:9
8. Unstable 1 Tim 1:6,7
9. Deceitful Eph 4:14
10. Lustful 2 Pet 1:12-19

1 GRACE-PERVERTERS: Gal 1:6-8
1. Does the teacher say that God does not love you?
2. Does the teacher say that God's love must be paid for by money or possessions?
3. Does the teacher say that God only loves you if you are deserving?
4. Does the teacher say that God is not compassionate toward man?
5. Does the teacher accuse or ridicule our God for a lack of tolerance or patience?
6. Does the teacher say that God has chosen him to control the direction of his follower's lives?

2 MONEY-LOVERS: Luke 16:14
7. Does the teacher pay closer attention to the ministry of ritual, rather than the ministry of love and mercy?
8. Does the teacher base his teaching on or place excessive worth on money?
9. Does the teacher encourage students to be superior to others?
10. Does the teacher sneer, ridicule or condemn followers of Jesus?

3 CHRIST-DENIERS: 2Pet 2:1; 1 Tim 4:1-5; James 3:17
11. Does the teacher act secretive with his knowledge and teach that events or happenings will occur at specific times that only he knows?
12. Does the teacher deny or reject Jesus or His gift of salvation?
13. Does the teacher speak of things that are not sanctified by the Word of God or your prayers?
14. Does the teacher focus on the earthly, natural, demonic life and exclude the wisdom that comes from Christ?
15. Are the teacher's teachings impure, chaotic, harsh, unreasonable, merciless, unstable, or hypocritical?

4 TRUTH-RESISTORS: 1 Tim 6:5; 2 Tim 3:8; Ex 7:11; Rom 1:28
16. Does the teacher appear evil, depraved, unprincipled or wicked?
17. Is the teacher immoral or cause his followers to be immoral?
18. Is the teacher rejected by God and beyond salvation?
19. Does the teacher use trickery, sorcery, magic or enchantment to sway his students?
20. Does the teacher challenge God to prove his authority and power?
21. Does the teacher lead his students into mental error or false judgment?

5 FABLE-LOVERS: 2 Tim 4:3, 4; 1 Tim 1:4
22. Does the teacher speculate rather than confirm?
23. Does the teacher focus on genealogies by tracing family descent?
24. Does the teacher's teachings involve supernatural or imaginary persons embodying popular ideas on natural or social phenomenon?
25. Does the teacher instruct on widely held, but false notions?
26. Does the teacher "tickle the ears" by telling his students what they want to hear?
27. Does the teacher use popular media, special effects or flair to entertain rather than teach the gospel?
28. Does the teacher use music, TV, movies or computers to snare his students?

6 DESTITUTE OF TRUTH: 1 Tim 6:3-5
29. Does the teacher distort the truth by disagreeing with a known fact or a known reality?
30. Does the teacher fail to teach the words of our Lord, Jesus Christ?
31. Is the teacher unrighteous, unlawful or immoral?
32. Does the teacher's knowledge conflict with his behavior?
33. Does the teacher's beliefs and actions appear to be without a "good sense" basis?
34. Does the teacher's teachings lead to wickedness or evil?
35. Is the teacher proud, showing a high opinion of his own dignity, importance or superiority?
36. Does the teacher appear to "know nothing"?
37. Is the teacher excessively fond of questions, to show off his intelligence rather than God's glory?
38. Does the teacher vigorously focus on the words of his answers rather than the truth?
39. Does the teacher cause envy or jealousy among his students?
40. Does the teacher create bitter conflict or strife among his students?
41. Does the teacher create an air of evil suspiciousness around his students?
42. Does the teacher argue with other teachers, attempting to persuade with evil teachings?
43. Does the teacher think that numbers of students indicates the godliness and rightness of his teachings?
44. Does the teacher treat the students meanly, worthlessly, disgracefully or dishonorably?

7 BOUND BY TRADITIONS: Matt 15:9; Is 29:13; 2 Tim 4:4,5; Titus 1:10-12
45. Does the teacher worship God in vain (without real significance, value or importance)?
46. Does the teacher rely on tradition and rote, rather than the moving of the Holy Spirit?
47. Is the teacher bound by traditions claiming divine authority without documentary evidence?
48. Is the teacher's instruction based on myths and commandments of men rather than the truth?
49. Is the teacher an unruly, a vain talker or a deceiver?
50. Is the teacher unable to digest new knowledge because of laziness?
51. Does the teacher instruct for the sake of sordid gain?
52. Does the teacher attempt to undermine the teachings of the student's family?
53. Does the teacher demand isolation from family and friends?

8 UNSTABLE: 1 Tim 1:6-7
54. Does the teacher use idle talk and stray from sound doctrine?
55. Is the teacher unable to provide confirmation of his belief?

9 DECEITFUL: Eph 4:14
56. Does the teacher educate using different types of doctrine?
57. Does the teacher use trickery, the practice of deception, shrewdness or fraud to gain students?
58. Does the teacher use forms of dishonesty, underhandedness, misleading or false scheming to instruct the students?

10 LUSTFUL: 2 Pet 2:12-19; Phil 3:19; Jude 1:12; Rom 6:16
59. Does the teacher speak evil of the things he doesn't understand?
60. Is the teacher prone to corruption, bribery, swindling or dishonest dealings?
61. Does the teacher partake in carousing, drunkenness, sexual promiscuity or sensuality?
62. Is the teacher's character full of spots, stains and blemishes that he has tried to hide from others?
63. Does the teacher entice unstable souls?
64. Does the teacher follow the way of false gods?
65. Does the teacher have the presence but no message?
66. Does the teachers message change often?
67. Does the teacher manipulate, falsely flatter or entice lusts of the flesh?
68. Has the teacher been given knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ, then turned his back on Him?

Remember, one "yes" answer to any of these questions proves that the teacher is a false teacher, and his instruction should be disregarded.

Just the Two of Us

I first met her in high school. She was older than I was and exciting. She’d been around. My parents warned me to have nothing to do with her. They claimed that no good could come from our relationship.

But I kept meeting her on the sly. She was so sophisticated and worldly. It made me feel grown up just being with her. It was fun to take her to a party in those days. She was almost always the center of attention.

We began seeing more of each other after I started college. When I got a place of my own, she was a frequent guest. It wasn’t long before she moved in with me. It may have been common law, but it was heartbreaking for my parents. I kept reminding myself I wasn’t a kid anymore. Besides, it was legal.

We lived together right through college and into my early days in business. I seldom went anywhere without her, but I wasn’t blind. I knew she was unfaithful to me. What’s worse, I didn’t care. As long as she was there for me when I needed her (and she always was), it didn’t matter.

The longer we lived together, the more attached I became to her. But it wasn’t mutual. She began to delight in making me look foolish in front of my friends. But I still couldn’t give her up.

It became a love/hate relationship. I figured out that her glamour was nothing more than a cheap mask to hide her spite and cynicism behind. I could no longer see her beauty after I came to know her true character.

But old habits are hard to break. We had invested many years in each other. Even though my relationship with her made me lose a little respect for myself, she had become the center of my life. We didn’t go anywhere. We didn’t do anything. We didn’t have friends over. It was just the two of us. I became deeply depressed and knew that she was largely responsible for my misery. I finally told her I was leaving her for good. It took a lot of guts, but I left.

I still see her around. She’s still as beautiful as when we first met. I miss her now and then. I’m not boasting when I say she’d take me back in a minute. But by the grace of God, I will never take up with her again.

PS. If you see her, just give her my regards. I don’t hate her. I just loved her too much.

Chances are you know her family.

The name’s Alcohol.

I'M NOT WORTHY… (He isn’t through with me yet)

My dear beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, you and I have an immeasurable privilege and responsibility to bear the name of Christ in a worthy manner. This was a consistent theme throughout Paul’s epistles.

To the Ephesians he wrote, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” Ephesians 4:1–3.

To the Philippians he said, “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ . . . standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents” Philippians 1:27–28.

And to the Colossians he wrote, “That you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might” Colossians 1:10–11.

Each of those passages gives us some insight into the particulars of a worthy walk, a life we should strive to follow and characteristics we should ask God to make prevalent in all our lives.

The following is a New Testament list of all that is encompassed in a worthy walk:

• Humility Eph. 4:23
• Purity Rom. 13:13
• Contentment 1 Cor. 7:17
• Faith 2 Cor. 5:7
• Righteousness Eph. 2:10
• Unity Phil. 1:27
• Gentleness Eph. 4:2
• Patience Col. 1:11
• Love Eph. 5:23
• Joy Col. 1:11
• Thankfulness Col. 1:3
• Light Eph. 5:8–9
• Knowledge Col. 1:10
• Wisdom Eph. 5:15–16
• Truth 3 John 3–4
• Fruitfulness Col. 1:10

If you truly belong to Christ, you ought to walk as He walked 1 John 2:6.